Black in Business Awards

Home
United States
Gaithersburg, MD
Black in Business Awards

Formal awards ceremony and dinner honoring businesses and leadership in Montgomery County, MD, who inspire, lead, and transform!

08/14/2026

✨ LEGACY SPOTLIGHT | MEET OUR 2026 AWARDS SPEAKER

We’re excited to welcome Felix Brandon Lloyd, Co-Founder and CEO of Joyful Reading Company, as a featured speaker for the 2026 Black in Business Awards.

An educator turned entrepreneur, Felix was previously named Washington, D.C.’s Teacher of the Year and later founded Skill-Life, a financial education technology company that was acquired in 2010.

Felix and co-founder Jordan Bookey gained national attention after appearing on ABC’s Shark Tank, where they secured an investment from Mark Cuban. Today, their reading platform is licensed by more than 15,000 libraries and schools worldwide, using technology, gamification, and AI-powered tools to help inspire lifelong reading habits.

A graduate of Syracuse University with an MFA in Fiction Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, Felix brings together education, entrepreneurship, technology, and social impact.

We look forward to welcoming him to the 2026 Black in Business Awards! ✨

08/13/2026

Montgomery County’s black-owned businesses are creating opportunity, generating revenue, building wealth, employing others, and establishing businesses that can make an impact for generations.

🏢 6,207 Black-owned employer businesses represent entrepreneurs who are not only building companies; they’re creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity.

💼 22,008 Black-owned nonemployer businesses demonstrate the power of independent entrepreneurs and small business ownership as pathways to building income, opportunity, and long-term wealth.

📈 $2.1 BILLION in annual receipts represents dollars generated through Black entrepreneurship, supporting business growth and strengthening our local economic base.

🤝 12.1% of businesses in Montgomery County reflects a Black business community contributing its talent, innovation, services, and leadership to the county’s economy.

✨ Black businesses. Stronger economy. Greater impact. ✨

08/10/2026

Every application represents more than a business—it represents an idea, a commitment, jobs, opportunities, and an investment in our community.

We celebrate every entrepreneur who applied for the Black in Business Awards and the work they are doing to help strengthen our economy and build a lasting legacy.

Your impact matters, and we’re proud to recognize the businesses helping Montgomery County move forward.

08/05/2026

🚨 Today is the day! Applications and nominations for the 2026 Black in Business Awards close TODAY.

Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your impact, celebrate excellence, and recognize the outstanding Black-owned businesses and leaders strengthening our community.

📲 Apply or nominate before the deadline by scanning the QR code.
https://www.cognitoforms.com/MBAGrowthPartners/BlackInBusinessAwards2026

08/04/2026

Why do entrepreneurs apply for the Black in Business Awards? 🏆

Recognition is meaningful, but the real reward is the opportunity to amplify your impact, build new relationships, and inspire the next generation of Black business leaders.

Swipe to read why three of our 2025 finalists applied and what this recognition means to them.

Could your business be next?

📅Applications close August 5.

📲 Apply or nominate by scanning the QR code in the final slide.
https://www.cognitoforms.com/MBAGrowthPartners/BlackInBusinessAwards2026

08/03/2026

Legacy is built long before an award is ever received.

Behind every Black in Business Award is a story of vision, perseverance, leadership, and service to the community.

One of our 2025 winners, Sharon Jackson Wilder of The Oaks Hospitality Group, shared what the recognition meant to her:

"Receiving the Black in Business Award was both humbling and deeply affirming. My husband, Quinton, and I founded The Oaks Hospitality Group with a bold vision to build a portfolio of exceptional hospitality destinations that create memorable experiences, strengthen communities, and leave a lasting legacy. This recognition wasn’t just a celebration of how far we’ve come—it affirmed our vision and inspires us to keep building with purpose, leading with excellence, and creating places where people feel welcomed, celebrated, and connected."

— Sharon Jackson Wilder
The Oaks Hospitality Group
2025 Best Hospitality Award Winner

As we prepare to celebrate the 2026 Black in Business Awardees, we invite you to think about the businesses making a difference in our community. Their impact deserves to be recognized.

⏳ Applications and nominations close August 5.

📲 Scan the QR code in the final slide or click the link below to apply or nominate a deserving business today.
https://www.cognitoforms.com/MBAGrowthPartners/BlackInBusinessAwards2026

08/02/2026

This month, we're celebrating you: the entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who are building businesses, creating opportunities, and making a lasting impact across Montgomery County.

Every business has a story. Every entrepreneur has a journey. Whether you've been in business for decades or are just getting started, your dedication, resilience, and vision are helping shape a stronger future for our community.

Throughout August, we'll be shining a spotlight on local success stories, sharing opportunities to connect and grow, and celebrating what it means to Build Legacy Through Entrepreneurship.

Thank you for the work you do each day to strengthen our local economy, inspire others, and leave a legacy that extends far beyond your business.

Happy Black Business Month! 🖤💛

Tag a Black-owned business that's making a difference in Montgomery County; we'd love to celebrate them this month. 👇

07/27/2026

⏰ Deadline Extended — More Time to Be Recognized!

Great news! Applications and nominations for the 2026 Black in Business Awards have been extended to August 5.

If you know a Black-owned business, entrepreneur, or community leader making a meaningful impact in Montgomery County, now is the time to recognize their achievements.

🏆 Apply for your business or nominate someone deserving.
📲 Scan the QR code to get started.
📅 New Deadline: August 5

Let's celebrate the entrepreneurs and leaders who are strengthening our local economy, creating opportunities, and building a lasting legacy.

Apply or Nominate a Business Today:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/MBAGrowthPartners/BlackInBusinessAwards2026

07/24/2026

⏳ The countdown is on!

There are only 48 hours left to apply or nominate an outstanding Black-owned business for the 2026 Black in Business Awards.

This is your opportunity to recognize businesses that are driving innovation, creating jobs, strengthening our community, and building lasting legacies across Montgomery County.

Don't let the deadline pass you by. Apply today or nominate a business that deserves to be celebrated.

Apply or Nominate a Business:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/MBAGrowthPartners/BlackInBusinessAwards2026

Address

620 Perry Parkway
Gaithersburg, MD
20877

Website

https://www.blackinbusinessawards.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Black in Business Awards posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your business to be the top-listed Event/venue in Gaithersburg?